In New Brunswick, Policy 311 is undergoing updates, and the education department plans to introduce modifications soon. Nova Scotia has not yet responded to requests for comment but has previously acknowledged monitoring the issue. Critics, such as former education minister Dominic Cardy, argue that banning smartphones is necessary due to the increasing evidence of their negative impact on student behavior and well-being. A recent study from Norway found that smartphone bans in schools reduced bullying and improved mental health outcomes. Other reports from organizations like the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) and Harvard School of Education have also contributed to Cardy’s change in position on a ban.
Several other Canadian provinces, including Ontario, British Columbia, and Quebec, have already implemented stricter smartphone restrictions in schools. In New Brunswick, child and youth advocate Kelly Lamrock has also advocated for a ban, citing concerns about youth mental health. However, organizations representing teachers in both New Brunswick and Nova Scotia urge caution. The New Brunswick Teacher’s Association (NBTA) president, Peter Lagacy, suggests considering educational benefits and consulting with all stakeholders. The Nova Scotia Teacher’s Union president, Ryan Lutes, acknowledges the distraction smartphones can pose but favors restrictions that allow teachers to incorporate the technology into lessons when appropriate.
Cardy believes that a broader conversation is needed about the impact of social media on society and the importance of equipping students with critical thinking skills to navigate the online landscape. He emphasizes the need to minimize screen time until students develop the necessary tools to use technology effectively.
